what is "organic" food?

what is "organic" food? - Botany Forum

what is "organic" food? - Botany Forum

I've heard that the FDA defines what is
legally "organic" food, but I've never seen
the legal definition. I was once told that
organic food can be made with some
kinds of pesticides, which was contrary
to the marketing hype surrounding
organic food, and I have finally decided
to check up on that claim.

JI Rodale was somewhat of a marketing genius, and he popularised
'organic gardening' to sell books.
Today the same company markets books/magazines/tv programs etc.
Everything is cross promoted - Rodale has rights to the 'South Beach'
diet, so it appears in their magazines & TV programs.[Only registered users see links. ]

"The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Pollan will explain more than you ever
wanted to know about the food chain of the United States - both
Industrial, Organic, and others. Great book. And you're right,
so-called "big-organic" looks more like our main, corn-based food chain
than people probably realize. Which means it's only modestly more
healthy for the planet and for our bodies then the usual source of our
calories. For example, "range-fed" only means there has to be doors on
the chicken coop so chickens could go feed outside if they wanted to.
The reality is they never do. So the football sized chicken coop is a
staple of both the Industrial and the Organic chain.

"The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Pollan will explain more than you ever
wanted to know about the food chain of the United States - both
Industrial, Organic, and others. Great book. And you're right,
so-called "big-organic" looks more like our main, corn-based food chain
than people probably realize. Which means it's only modestly more
healthy for the planet and for our bodies then the usual source of our
calories. For example, "range-fed" only means there has to be doors on
the chicken coop so chickens could go feed outside if they wanted to.
The reality is they never do. So the football sized chicken coop is a
staple of both the Industrial and the Organic chain.

The USDA says:
"Organic food is produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable
resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance
environmental quality for future generations. Organic meat, poultry,
eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no
antibiotics or growth hormones. Organic food is produced without using
most conventional pesticides; fertilizers made with synthetic
ingredients or sewage sludge; bioengineering; or ionizing radiation.
Before a product can be labeled "organic," a Government-approved
certifier inspects the farm where the food is grown to make sure the
farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic
standards. Companies that handle or process organic food before it
gets to your local supermarket or restaurant must be certified, too."

An evening at Pearl South Beach restaurant is one that you will never forget. A seemingly never-ending array of wines and spirits from some of the world’s finest producers will offer the perfect accompaniment to the unusual appetizers, signature dishes, and delightful desserts presented by some of South Florida’s greatest restaurants.[Only registered users see links. ]

The term “organic” refers to the way agricultural products are grown and processed. Specific requirements must be met and maintained in order for products to be labeled as "organic".

Organic crops must be grown in safe soil, have no modifications, and must remain separate from conventional products. Farmers are not allowed to use synthetic pesticides, bioengineered genes (GMOs), petroleum-based fertilizers, and sewage sludge-based fertilizers.

Organic livestock must have access to the outdoors and be given organic feed. They may not be given antibiotics, growth hormones, or any animal-by-products.

Organic foods may have higher nutritional value than conventional food, according to some research. The reason: In the absence of pesticides and fertilizers, plants boost their production of the phytochemicals (vitamins and antioxidants) that strengthen their resistance to bugs and weeds. Some studies have linked pesticides in our food to everything from headaches to cancer to birth defects — but many experts maintain that the levels in conventional food are safe for most healthy adults.